Magic Johnson Pleased With Ban On Sterling

GARY, IN - APRIL 28: Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. takes a photo with a fan after speaking at a press conference on student scholarships in Indiana on April 28, 2014 in Gary, Indiana. Former NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson held the press conference to promote a benefit to raise money for student scholarships in Gary. During the press conference Johnson also answered questions in regard to comments made by Los Angeles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)Caption:GARY, IN - APRIL 28: Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Jr. takes a photo with a fan after speaking at a press conference on student scholarships in Indiana on April 28, 2014 in Gary, Indiana. Former NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson held the press conference to promote a benefit to raise money for student scholarships in Gary. During the press conference Johnson also answered questions in regard to comments made by Los Angeles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — Hall of Fame basketball player Magic Johnson said the decision to ban Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life from any association with the NBA for making racist comments marks “a great day for the United States.”

Johnson on Tuesday reacted to the punishment for Sterling announced earlier in the day by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver that included a $2.5 million fine. Silver also called on NBA owners to force Sterling to sell the team.

“It was a great day for the United States,” Johnson told reporters in Saginaw, Mich. “It was a great day for the NBA and it was a great day for all people of all races, but especially African-Americans and Latinos who he was speaking out against.”

TMZ released an audio recording last weekend of Sterling talking to a female companion. In the recording, Sterling questions her association with minorities, including Johnson.

“I’m just happy that Commissioner Adam Silver came down hard and showed that we can’t let people get away with this, even if you’re an owner,” Johnson said. “I hope that the fans now return to the Clipper games … and the Clipper players can move forward, too, and all of us.”

Johnson, who grew up in Lansing, Mich., and played at Michigan State, was in Saginaw for the “Magic of a Promise” fundraiser.